The prepper community can often feel like a “Men’s Only” club. But there are women who want to prepare themselves and their families for the worst. Many ladies often feel like it’s a “guy thing” to get in the survivalist mindset. I’m here to say, we may be few and far between, but we are out there and ready to help support women in their desire to prepare for anything!
Whether we like it or not, we ladies have different bodies and different needs than our fellow male preppers. We also need to prepare differently because of this, and we’ve compiled some tips for a series dedicated to women; some of which need to be discussed even though they are downright uncomfortable.
Sanitation is a critical component of being prepared for extended emergencies. In “The Prepper’s Blueprint“, Some of the greatest threats in an emergency occur after the disaster. Lack of accessible clean water following major disasters can quickly escalate and create secondary problems in a post SHTF situation. Additionally, those unsanitary conditions can exacerbate the spreading of diseases, infections and health risks.
With that in mind, since this is the first of the just for ladies series, let’s start with the most uncomfortable topic first:
FEMININE HYGIENE
The question I am asked most often when other women discover my family is one of “preppers” is how do women deal with their monthly visitor when feminine hygiene products are not readily available. This one is uncomfortable, but it has an easy answer: Menstrual cups.
These have the added benefit of not being disposable and are better for our Earth and will save you a ton of money over time. One menstrual cup can last for 5 years! Disposable pads and tampons could run out if there’s a run on a grocery store, but women can prepare by keeping a menstrual cup on hand or in a bug out bag [LINK]. Heck, why not have a couple in case something goes wrong?
The key to making a menstrual cup work is finding one that YOU like. This is a very personal decision, as menstrual cups are not “one size fits all.” Not all menstrual cups are created equal and you may need to try a few before you are comfortable with their use and find one that will work for YOU. Look around on Amazon and you will see many different options. Two popular versions are the Diva Cup and the Athena Menstrual Cup. These are shaped slightly different and only the woman using it can possibly know what shape will fit her body the best.
Once you’ve selected a menstrual cup, the process of learning how to use it begins. Trigger warning: it can it icky. Menstrual cups are designed to be inserted into the vagina where they collect the menstrual blood rather than absorb it such a tampon. However, after you remove the cup, you simply dump the contents away and rinse it off for another use.
When you first begin the use of the menstrual cup, it’s wise to use a pad (disposable or otherwise) because there is a learning curve involved. We would suggest getting to understand how to use it before something bad happens, just to be certain you know what you’re doing. Plus, again, disposable pads won’t be readily available. You will want something you can reuse, and “period underwear” is an excellent option. It isn’t actually as uncomfortable as you’d think, but much like the menstrual cup, finding the right pair for YOU is essential. While they won’t be effective as your only protection, they will be invaluable while learning to use the menstrual cup and could come in handy on the lighter days you just don’t need a cup for!
OVERALL FEMININE HYGIENE
The last thing you’ll want is an infection when the SHTF, so it’s important to wash everything you use well and disinfect the menstrual cup. There may not be a way to completely eliminate your risk, as any catastrophe will be a difficult situation for everyone. But you can mitigate the risks by keeping your hygiene top notch.
Once you are done menstruating, you will want to store your cup in a bag (most come with one.) Don’t just toss your cup into a backpack, as it’ll get dirty. But first, before you even consider storing your cup for use next month, soak it in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes to make sure it’s clean, and let it air dry.
INCREASE WATER AND PEROXIDE STORAGE
Maybe this is a good time to stock up on some peroxide, just in case. Not only that, if you are in a situation in which you must store water (you don’t have a well and an electricity-free way to get water out of it) you need to save extra for your personal hygiene and care of your women’s items. You will need to wash your period underwear as well as you possibly can considering where they will be on your body. That said, make sure you never neglect your feminine hygiene, as it could cause you to get a yeast infection and that won’t be fun at all in a SHTF situation!
Of course this is an uncomfortable topic, however, we need to discuss it as women and preppers. We definitely have different needs than men, and we will need to prepare for those regardless of how uncomfortable those topics may be.
Shopping List
- water
- peroxide
- Menstrual cup
- Period underwear
- sanitary napkins
- yeast infection cream
- hand sanitizer
Are you a female prepper? Do you have any tips or advice for your fellow women? If so, let us know in the comments!
Read part 2 of this series
This article was originally published at Ready Nutrition™ on May 7th, 2019
I am male, so only have second-hand information. However, that second-hand information comes from several very capable women I have known, including my mother, two sisters, several cousins, and several female preppers of my acquaintance. Some of the information on which several of the ideas are based is from discussions with OB/GYN and pediatric doctors and nurses.
Please take the information as it is intended. Simply some possibilities and options. I certainly make no claim to have any special insights into women’s needs. I am simply a researcher that tries to collect and provide all manner of information to other preppers for them to use as starting points for their own due diligence research to come up with solutions that are right for them.
Everything in this reply is: Just my opinion.
My thoughts on dealing with pregnancy, birth, and post-birth situations from a prepper perspective.
While this does not really address the feeding of newborns and infants, other than stating that I believe Nestle’s line of Nido baby formula and infant growth formulas are good products. This is from extensive research and not direct observation. However, the company does make a couple of products that I do use, namely their full-fat powdered milk for LTS (Long Term Storage), though it does not store as long as non-fat it does store long enough that I think fresh milk will be available by the time it reaches the non-usable point.
The lists are primarily to address pregnancy through the infant stage of having children, when any part of it, or the entire time might be under adverse conditions due to a variety of reasons.
The lists do not really cover problem pregnancies, problem births, and at-risk newborns and infants. It is pretty much for basic, few-problems situations. For anyone with a family history of problem pregnancies, difficult births, and newborn and infant survival difficulties, much more due diligence research should be done, with the help and cooperation of pediatricians, pediatric nurses, midwives, and other medical professionals whose specialties include these subjects. Follow their advice and instructions.
And, of course, the standard disclaimer. I am not a doctor of any kind, have never played one on TV or in the movies, and did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. So, you must do your own due diligence research, and make your decisions based on your knowledge, skills, and the needs of yourself and your family. Do not take anything in this article as medical advice. Everything is simply my opinion, as always, and a starting point for people to do their own research.
The following two sections of this article are from my Home Only-Aid Kit list:
Part # 6: Pregnancy, Birthing & Infant Care Kit
Pre-pregnancy/pregnancy use items
• Contraceptives
• Pregnancy home testing kits
• Pregnancy vitamins & nutrition supplements
• Morning sickness bags (barf bags)
• Maternity clothing in several sizes
Natural childbirth manuals
• Emergency Childbirth By Gregory J. White Md
• Special Delivery By Rahima Baldwin
• Spiritual Midwifery By Ina May Gaskin
• Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth By Ina May Gaskin
• Birth Emergency Skills Training: A Manuel For Out Of Hospital Midwifes By Bonnie Grueberg
• Childbirth At Home By Marion Sousa
• Heart & Hands By Elizabeth Davis
• A Book For Midwives (Hesperian Foundation)
• Wise Woman Herbal Childbearing By Susan S Weed
Birthing/delivery aids (reusable items):
• Comfort support pillows
• Blanket
• Towels
• Washcloth
• Small sponge
• Folding basin
• Knee/leg/foot supports to help position and hold legs in proper position for easiest birth in lieu of a birthing table/bed
• Fetal stethoscope
• Regular stethoscope
• BP cuff
• Stop watch
• Dilation measurement comparison scale
• Fetal heart monitor if possible
• Bed pan in case labor is extended
• Stress/pain relief aids (things to hold or grip, straps that can be held and pulled when straining, mouth/teeth protector for clenching teeth, misting water bottle for cooling, drinking water in easy to drink container w/straw)
• Stainless steel placenta receiving/inspection bowl
• Baby length measuring ruler
• Collapsing baby weight scale
• Baby footprint/handprint inking pad & roller
• Birth record documents
• Mother’s after birth vanity toiletries (comb, brush, mirror, bobby pins, pony tail ties/ribbons/ scrunchy, face cleansing cream/moisturizer, etc.)
• Some type/form of robe or closing in case original clothing is dirty, soiled, or damaged
Birthing kit (single use – have several)
• Large square of plastic or large plastic bag
• Blanket
• Small individual antiseptic soap
• Dilation measurement comparison scale
• 10 cleansing towellettes
• Mouth/teeth protector for clenched teeth
• 1 pencil/pen
• 4 adhesive tape id strips
• 1 patient delivery gown
• 2 attendant delivery gowns
• 5 surgical masks
• 5 pairs of surgical gloves
• 1 36″ x 36″ receiving blanket
• 2 newborn diapers
• 1 sanitary napkin support belt
• 4 wrapped sanitary napkins
• 1 sterilized scissors/ scalpel/ razor blade (for cutting umbilical cord)
• 1 pair episiotomy scissors (if episiotomy procedure is needed)
• 4 sterilized umbilical tie tapes or sterile umbilical cord clamps (1 1/2″ from belly, only after cord stops pulsing, thins, and goes from bluish to white)
• 4 sterilized cotton balls
• 1 sterilized eye, nose & throat clearing syringe
• 1 bottle sterile eye wash
• 4 sterilized diaper safety pins
• 1 3″ gauze roll bandage
• 6 4″ gauze compresses
• Chux/underpads (to lay out instruments and supplies)
• Placenta receiving/inspection bowl (inexpensive plastic okay for disposable kits and can be kit container)
• 4 small trash bags (for placenta disposal, double bagged, mother/ father/ family may want special handling and disposal)
• Handprint/footprint ink cleaning towelettes
• Birth record documents
• Mother’s after birth vanity toiletries kit
(The sterilized items to be carried in a sterilized package)
(Complete package carried in the square of plastic or plastic bag)
Useful herbals for before, during, & after childbirth:
• Shepherds purse (for hemorrhage)
• Motherwort
• Black and blue cohosh
Infant care items:
• Baby bag
• Diapers (disposable in all sizes)
• Diapers, fabric, conventional
• Diapers, fabric, easy care
• Diaper safety pins (and alternative diaper closures)
• Rubber pants (lots of them unless going diaperless)
• Feeding aids (nursing bras, privacy cover, breast cleaning items, clean-up items, burp towels, leakage pads, trash bags, etc.)
• Bottles & nipples, conventional (Kleen Kanteen stainless steel)
• Bottles & nipples, disposables
• Electric/battery breast pump & parts, including additional power
• Manual breast pump & parts
• Breast milk storage bottles
• Milk/ formula refrigeration means (electric/ non-electric)
• Formula, Nido brand formula mix & distilled water or milk & additives
• Infant vitamins & supplements
• Feeding sling (and other feeding aids)
• Manual baby food grinder/processor (some regular food processors do not get food fine enough, and blenders usually require liquids to work)
• Baby wipes
• Baby powder
• Baby oil
• Diaper rash ointment
• Teething rings, teething pain relief medicines (Oragel, Hyland’s teething tablets)
• Pedialyte for dehydration – available in powder form
• Infant Motrin, Tylenol, infant cold medicine
• Blankets, onesies, head coverings
• Pacifiers (multiple types and several of them)
• Thermometer (forehead or anal)
• Safety seat/carrier (several sizes)
• Stroller/ baby carriage (with good protective features for sun, wind, rain, cold)
• Baby carry pack, front carry
• Baby carry pack, rear carry
• Baby carry pack/wrap, side/hip carry
• Pacifier, bottle, toy, etc. tethers so when the baby throws something, it will not be lost, and often will not even get dirty
• A set of cleaning items to include baby wipes, misting spray bottle, towels, etc.
Part # 7: Pediatric Specific Kit
• Insulated storage container
• Ailment explanation/indication dolls & diagrams
• Distracting/occupying toys & games
• Good behavior rewards
• Children’s fever thermometers
• Non-sting first-aid ointment
• Bandaids (children’s decorated versions)
• Smaller tongue depressors
• Smaller finger splints
• Dosage measuring dispensers
• Decorative/festive paper cups
• Plastic spoons
• Smaller ear & nose syringes
• Extra syrup of ipecac (check with your doctor. This has fallen out of favor.)
• Toothache ointment
• Children’s eye wash bottle w/extra bottles of wash
• Children’s eye drops
• Children’s ear wash
• Children’s ear drops
• Children’s nasal spray
• Children’s lip balm
• Children’s pain killer
• Children’s laxative
• Children’s diarrhea medication
• Children’s antacid
• Children’s cough medicine
• Children’s cold remedy
• Safety seat/carrier
• (plus any additional children’s specific disease/ailment requirements needed on a regular or semi-regular basis by any member of the family)
The following list was developed for in-general situations. However, with the stresses a pregnant woman will have during times of disaster, especially one known to be long-term, or one in which there is a great deal of speculation and uncertainty, having some of the items on this list will aid in maintaining a more stress-free atmosphere.
Feminine needs for long term disasters
• PStyle/Go-Girl/Lady J female urine diverter for outdoor use if indoor access is limited
• Hygiene needs: Packaged/ reusable sanitary napkins/ Diva Cup/ natural sponges/ cleansing wipes/ etc.
• UTI products: Pyridium/ powdered cranberry juice or pills/ apple cider vinegar/ Acidophilus pills (for women before taking antibiotics that could cause yeast infections)
• Miconazole (for yeast infections)
• Advil/ Midol/ Pamprin/ Ibuprofen/ acetaminophen
• Separate bucket/chemical toilet if not using conventional toilets (To avoid having to use the usually much messier men’s facilities.)
• 4x the toilet paper allotment used for general planning
• Privacy means (curtains/ enclosures/ screens/ etc.)/ personal space/ personal closet or dresser
• Sweats/loose clothing, large robes, large towels, various sizes plain underwear, sports bras
• Pregnancy prevention supplies
• Baby care supplies
• Expedient shower methods: sun shower bags/ MSR bag shower/ pressure sprayer/ campers propane shower/ large body bath wipes
• Body care products: razors/ deodorant/ hand lotion/ face lotion/ body lotion
• Facial products: baby wipes (no fragrance/ hypo-allergenic/ for sensitive skin)/ Pre-moistened facial cleansers
• Hair care products: Non-lathering soap/ shampoo/ dry shampoo/ baby powder/ bentonite clay/ brushes/ combs/ tie backs/ scrunchies/ hair bands/ bandannas/ baseball caps, etc.
• Lip care products: Chapstick, Lip balm, lipstick(s), etc.
• Nail care products: clippers/ nail files /emery boards/ sealer & polish/ etc.
• Multiple hot water bottles
• Any medical necessities for allergies, prescriptions, etc.
• Comfort items: Additional coffee/ chocolate in several forms/ salty snacks/ soothing teas (chamomile, lavender, peppermint, etc.)
• Anti-boredom materials: knitting/ crochet/ sewing/novels/ movies/ story teller/ sketching tools/ hobby items, etc.
• Strong reading lights and a variety of strengths of reading glasses
• Everything set up for easy cleaning/ rubber gloves/ aprons/long handled tools, etc.
Some Comfort Items For Babies, Infants, & Children
Babies:
• Diaper rash ointment
• Baby powder
• Pacifiers
• Teething rings, teething pain relief medicines (Oragel, Hyland’s teething tablets)
• Pedialyte for dehydration – available in powder form
• Infant Motrin, Tylenol, infant cold medicine
Children:
• Stuffed animal
• Small lightweight toys
• Playing cards or travel games
• Crayons, coloring book
• Puzzle book, crosswords, word finds
• Favorite book
• Baseball or Nerf football
• Harmonica
• Ipod or small device for playing games or music
• Hard candy, bubble gum
• Learning to read books
Just my opinions.
Jerry,
Thank you so much for the list and information you shared! We are planning on doing an article about pregnancy soon and will add your information to it.
Thanks again!
Tess
Let me preface by no offense intended, but hold my beer–Bahahahahahaha!– I am reminded of the commercials for diapers that compared the needs of the firstborn child with the needs of the second (or third…) I have four children. Honestly, barring the unfortunate event that some things do go wrong, requiring additional, specific equipment, the things we needed for our 4th child consisted of 7+ outfits, as many swaddling blankets, 4-5 burp cloths/rags, nail clippers, disposable and cloth diapers (the kind with snaps and padded liners), baby wipes (disposable or cloth depending on your preference) gentle laundry detergent (until you know if your baby can tolerate regular), teething toys, a baby carrier–for strapping baby to mom, hands free, antiseptic wipes and neosporin, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, baby shampoo with lavender scent, a bag for baby’s gear. A waterproof pad for changing diapers, a waterproof bag for soiled clothing on the go, a plastic bucket with a cover for housing soiled clothing at home, a good washing machine, a waterproof mattress cover for whatever bed he is sleeping in, an umbrella style stroller for toddlers who are yet unable to walk far (optional), a thermometer, a nose syringe, a carseat with head support pillowsbaby tylenol, and a loving mama who nurses more or less on demand (very frequently, not so much on schedule, but aware of her babies needs). Some things for mama: moisturizing oil such as coconut or cocoa butter for chapped nipples, a comfortable nursing bra and shirts, a nursing cover for public, a bunch of maximum coverage maxi pads, pads for milk leakage, antiseptic creams/wash/guaze for perineal tears, healthy diet, adequate sleep (provided by assisting helpers, babysitters, etc.). A scale and measuring tape, notebook and pen, as the baby grows, he will need some one to mash solid foods for him, and cut them into small pieces, requiring a fork and knife. Also he will need a serious waterproof bib– if it is warm enough, strip him to his diaper and hose him off after dinner! The only other thing is hand mittens for newborns, since they tend to scratch their face with sharp fingernails. Oh, and a comb and brush and toothbrush and toothpaste.
Most of the rest of the stuff is excessive, designed to make baby center stores lots of money. Like I said, mean only to correct, not insult anyone’s intelligence. This is simply what I have learned after 4 kids!
What about RUMP reusable menstrual pads I have been pretty fortunate that I was able to sew my own I’ve been using them now for almost 3 years they came in handy when I went through hurricane Irma 2017 a menstrual cup is not an option for me unfortunately and I think that should be taken into consideration not all women have the arm length to be able to insert one I have normal looking arms except that I can’t reach to properly insert and remove a cup. During hurricane Irma 2017 we had no power for a week that met we didn’t have our well water but I had stockpiled my water provisions and I had no problem washing and drying my reusable pads and keeping my hygiene fine.
Just one comment……don’t “stockpile” too much hydrogen peroxide because it does convert to water over time. I had an infected tooth so grabbed my mom’s hydrogen peroxide to rinse my mouth…..it did nothing. I looked at the label and it had a Best By date of 1997. So yes it does lose effectiveness over time. Definitely, rotate your backup bottles and don’t stock gallons of it long term.
This is a question about older women (and men) who now use pads for excess urination. I do not know hat people did in the “old days.” Well, yes, they stayed home! Even at that we should have adequate protection for bladder incontinence and I cannot think of any simple solution whether stay-home or on the road…Are there any such products for women and for men that might be suggested for use?
Linda, disposable and washable incontinence products are available. It all depends on the level of protection and if the person can ambulate or not. Full tape on disposable or pin on cloth diapers are available for adults. They can also just use protective underwear. Absorbency and desired protection are the key. If just urinary it’s easier then if fecal incontinence also is a concern. Bed pads ( chux) are also available as reuseable.
For females, if just urinary incontinence is the problem, there’s a really easy solution. The person can wear NO underwear or pants; just a nightgown and a long robe (warm in winter, a cooler one in summer). Person carries a plastic ‘batter bowl’ and urinates in it whenever desired. A ‘batter bowl’ is a mixing bowl with a handle and is ideal for this purpose.
It’s then easy to rinse out in the sink, or if offended by this, dump in the toilet first then rinse in the sink.